City to seek more public access in Mayfair Golf Club lease extension

Canada's Lorie Kane tees off on the 10th hole, during the Championship Pro-Am at the 2013 CN Canadian Women's Open, at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., Wednesday Aug. 21, 2013. David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/QMI AgencyDavid Bloom / David Bloom/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Ag

The Mayfair wants the extension ahead of committing to plans to undergo renovations on its clubhouse.

“I have no question that the value is the appropriate value. I don’t think they’re making that up. I don’t think they’re trying to do any special favours,” said Ward 8 Coun. Ben Henderson, after committee passed his motion asking administration to look at increasing access options, such as public tee times, and to look at what Highlands Golf Club, also on city land, has committed to.

A question of stewardship

Mayfair president Craig Trendel said the city is getting a fair deal, and the sum the club has agreed to pay in rent is actually a premium above market value for the land, according to a third-party valuation the club commissioned. He said that if the lease extension is granted, the club expects to pay more than $50-million in city property taxes.

“I think by taking care of our land to the degree that we do, where we have international standards recognized environmentally, and to the point that we can host events like the (Canadian Women’s Open) — these things are broadcast to 56 million people across the world. It’s a tremendous amount of value to the city,” Trendel said.

“Let’s make no mistake: this is a posh, private club that exists for their members,” said Larry Booi, with Public Interest Alberta.

Mayor Don Iveson said that he was troubled that questions about the demographic of the Mayfair’s membership has become centred in a conversation that should be about real estate.

“I never like it when one group of Edmontonians is pitted against another group of Edmontonians. It felt like that’s what was happening with this. I think the question is really: is the Mayfair a good partner for the city? Have they been for decades? The answer, I think, is yes,” Iveson said.

The Mayfair had hoped to have the lease issue settled ahead of an annual general meeting scheduled for April 29, when shareholders were to vote on moving ahead with renovations to the clubhouse. But city administration won’t report back to committee until April 26.